BrahMos at the centre of India's defence export push
India is preparing to use next month's BRICS Summit in New Delhi to advance its defence-export agenda, with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile emerging as one of the key systems in bilateral discussions, according to Bharatshakti. With the Philippines already a customer and agreements with Vietnam and Indonesia in place, India's focus is now on a wider group of prospective buyers, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, South Africa and Thailand.
People familiar with the matter told Bharatshakti that defence exports are expected to feature in several bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the summit. The meetings could allow New Delhi to review proposals already submitted to partner countries and push negotiations that have been underway for months.
The BrahMos is jointly developed by India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. It can travel at nearly three times the speed of sound, hugs the earth's surface to stay under enemy radar, and carries a low radar cross-section, making it difficult to intercept, as described by The Times of India. It can be launched from land, naval and air platforms.
Combat record and export success
The missile's export appeal has been strengthened by its use in Operation Sindoor. Early on May 7, 2025, India hit multiple targets in Pakistan, including well-defended air bases, with the BrahMos, according to The Times of India. The missile soon turned into one of the country's biggest defence export success stories, the report said, with a growing line of nations queuing up to acquire the weapon that proved its mettle during the operation. The missile has emerged as a potent calling card for New Delhi's defence diplomacy, particularly among nations wary of China's expanding footprint.
The Philippines became the first foreign customer, signing a contract worth around USD 375 million in 2022 for the shore-based anti-ship variant, as reported by both The Times of India and Bharatshakti. Manila's decision was driven largely by its maritime disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea, where the missile's sea-skimming profile offers a credible deterrent.
Vietnam has followed close behind, with officials confirming that an agreement has effectively been inked, The Times of India reported. Indonesia signed a deal to acquire the BrahMos and the Astra air-to-air missile during PM Modi's visit to Jakarta in July, the same report said. Indonesia and India have also agreed to set up a joint committee to deepen cooperation on technology transfer, a factor that could sweeten the deal further for Indonesia's domestic defence industry. Bharatshakti similarly noted that Vietnam signed a BrahMos agreement after years of discussions and that Indonesia moved ahead with an agreement.
Gulf interest and other potential buyers
The UAE is among the most closely watched prospects. India has held discussions with Abu Dhabi on a possible BrahMos sale, with the Emirati side examining the missile for long-range precision-strike and maritime-security requirements, according to Bharatshakti. Sources said BrahMos Aerospace has made presentations to the UAE and submitted its proposal, which is under consideration. A deal would make the UAE the first Gulf country to procure BrahMos, giving the missile a foothold in a major defence market.
The Times of India reported that the UAE is reportedly in early-stage talks for a package, with interest sharpened after regional tensions across the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia is another potential market, according to Bharatshakti. Riyadh has been diversifying its defence partnerships and procurement sources, while India has sought to expand defence and strategic cooperation with the kingdom. The Saudi opportunity is not as advanced as the UAE proposal but remains part of India's effort to position BrahMos among the advanced systems being considered by Gulf countries.
Egypt is further along in terms of engagement. Contrary to reports that BrahMos Aerospace had not formally presented the missile to Cairo, sources told Bharatshakti that presentations were made during the company's participation in defence exhibitions in Egypt. Discussions have been held with senior Egyptian defence officials, and any agreement depends on evaluation and internal approvals.
Beyond these, Brazil has held several rounds of discussions, with Brazilian delegations visiting BrahMos facilities and expressing interest in maritime and coastal-defence applications, Bharatshakti reported. South Africa has shown preliminary or informal interest, with no purchase contract concluded. Thailand has expressed interest in naval and shore-based versions.
The Times of India listed countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, South Africa, Qatar, Oman and Brazil as having expressed interest. The report also mentioned work underway on a Next-Generation variant that will be lighter, faster, and capable of being carried by smaller platforms like the Tejas, with the Su-30 MKI aircraft currently serving as a carrier.
BRICS Summit as a platform
The BRICS grouping — which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Indonesia, with Thailand and Vietnam as partner countries — offers a concentrated opportunity to review proposals and push negotiations, according to Bharatshakti. The summit, to be held in New Delhi, could serve as a venue for advancing India's defence-export agenda, particularly for the BrahMos.